Monday 18^th January – Monday of Week 2 of the Year

Reflection: 1 Samuel 15:16-23

DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS REJECTION

“Because you rejected the Lord’s command, He has rejected you as King” 1 Sam 16:23

Today’s reflections has more eternal consequences than we may have imagined. It is something which affects our daily lives as Christians who are eager to please God. God trains us his beloved children to wholeheartedly follow his dictates, to trust his designs and judgment. This he puts to us by giving us his word in every situation we find ourselves. How great would it be if we never consider our senses and intuition when obeying God. Disobedience brings rejection, Obedience aligns our sacrifice to God’s will. (Is 1:19)

Today’s first reading shows us an example of a “partial” obedience to God’s command. King Saul and his men wanted to apply human wisdom to compliment God’s commands but didn’t know that it was out of place. This made Saul to be rejected as King by God (1Samuel 15:23b). Sometimes, our good intentions towards a plan can be opposed to God’s will and purpose. The Scriptures says that His ways are not ours and what seems to be Gods foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. (1 Cor 1:25). Therefore, our love for God must be unison with obedience to his commands. We must pray for grace to follow this part of self-denial and total surrender his word.

As we continue our journey in this year of Mercy, let us be conscious of our deeds and actions and humbly ask God to lead us and make us walk in his love. Let us not forget that it is our love for God that gives us an unconditional obedience to his commands as Christ tells us: “if you love me you would obey my commandments” (John 14:15). This love is what St. Paul gives as the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 13:3). Beloved, rejection by God while on earth can still meet with God’s mercy by our reconciling with him but we must be ready always for the last day so that we do not hear the words: “I never knew you, Get away from me, you wicked people” (Matt. 7:23b).

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to know what pleases you and grant prompt obedience without any reservation to your commands. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 67 – What is sin?

At the core of sin is a rejection of God and the refusal to accept his love. This is manifested in a disregard for his commandments.

HIDE A TREASURE: “It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep to him”. 1 Samuel 15:22b GNB

Today’s Readings: 1 Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16c-17, 21&23; Mark 2:18-22